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Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find the supplies from my QuinnEssentials kit?

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What are the different types of tube feedings available?

The Oley Foundation has a great page that explains in detail different types of enteral nutrition types. The main ones are a Naso-gastric (NG-tube), Naso-jejunal (NJ-tube), gastrostomy tube (PEG, G-tube), gastro-jejunostomy tubes (PEG-J or G-J tubes), and jejunostomy tubes (PEJ, J-tube). Click here to be directed to the Oley Foundation page.

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How do you know what you are entitled to for enteral medical supplies from insurance?

Once you’ve chosen your home care service company, you should receive a list of what your insurance will cover. It is important to know what you are entitled to and to discover different products that could be helpful for your child.

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How do I train daycare or family members on tube feeding or tube changes?

Leaving your tubie kiddo with another caretaker can be stressful. We were thankful to find this post from Little Birch Shop that lays out a great tutorial for training others to care for your little one. It’s important to train others and then have them care for your child with you still present. This way, they are able to ask you questions and gain confidence before fully taking over care.

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What do I do or where can I go if my child has issues with tube feedings?

Speak up – talk with your medical provider and explain everything that is going on. Research possible causes of discomfort or vomiting. Do not be satisfied with the answer “it just happens with feeding tubes.” For the first 10 months of our daughter’s life, she’d vomit nearly every feed. We pleaded with her providers and tried to explain exactly what was happening. Appointment after appointment, we would explain to providers that something was wrong and we were experiencing issues too frequently. Finally, after changing doctors and trying other formulas, it was determined that Quinn had a milk protein intolerance. After making a formula and feeding schedule change, she was finally comfortable with feeds. Always push for answers until you get what you need.

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How do you care for the tubie site?

The site where the tube is place is called the Stoma. This area can become irritated and sensitive, especially after the initial placement. This link provides great information on what do to for site care. In some cases, granular tissue around the stoma can form, and it can usually be remedied with topical cream provided by your medical provider.

What should I know when traveling with a G-tube?

Traveling with a feeding tube and all the supplies that goes along with it can be intimidating. Planning and preparing for all “What If” scenarios will give you peace of mind and confidence. The Feeding Tube Awareness and Oley Foundation sites lay out a great step by step list for anything and everything you will need to do when traveling.

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What does "venting" a G-tube mean?

Venting a G-tube involves connecting an empty 60mL syringe to the end of an extension tube and then pressing lightly on the tubie’s stomach to help release any excess gas trapped in the stomach. Before we knew our daughter had a milk protein allergy, we were venting her 2-3 times during her feeds and 2-3 times in between feeds. This link has a detailed video that goes into more detail on exactly how to vent a G-tube.

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